Remembering Lillian and Libby McCain
The Centre community is grieving an unimaginable loss following a devastating two-vehicle crash in Cherokee County on Thursday afternoon that claimed the lives of two sisters, 18-year-old Lillian McCain and her 12-year-old sister, Libby McCain.
The crash occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Cherokee County Road 29 near Cherokee County Road 28, about nine miles northeast of Piedmont. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the girls’ vehicle was struck by a tractor trailer. Both Lillian and Libby tragically lost their lives at the scene.
The timing of the tragedy has weighed even more heavily on the family and community—Friday, August 22, would have been Lillian’s 19th birthday. What was meant to be a celebration of new beginnings has instead become a time of mourning for two young lives taken far too soon.
Lillian, remembered for her determination and kindness, had recently graduated from Spring Garden High School in May 2025. She was just beginning the next chapter of her life, having started classes at Jacksonville State University, where she had already begun to set her sights on building a bright and promising future. Teachers, classmates, and friends recall her as a dedicated student with a compassionate heart who had the ability to bring joy to those around her.
Libby, only 12 years old, was a sixth grader at Spring Garden School, where she was beloved by her peers and teachers alike. Known for her bright smile, curiosity, and energy, she was just beginning to discover her path in life. Her absence leaves a profound emptiness in the classrooms, hallways, and among the many friends who cherished her.
Cherokee County School Superintendent Michael Welsh spoke to the heartbreak being felt across the school community, describing the McCain sisters as outstanding students and beloved members of the Spring Garden family. Their loss has left both schools and the broader community reeling, as they come together to support one another during this time of grief.
ALEA Troopers with the Highway Patrol Division are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, though details on what led to the collision have not yet been released.
As news of this tragedy spreads, the McCain family, their friends, and their community are receiving an outpouring of condolences, prayers, and support. While words can never capture the depth of such a loss, the memories of Lillian and Libby—their laughter, their love, and the joy they brought to others—will live on in the hearts of those who knew them best.
Lillian and Libby’s lives, though heartbreakingly short, remind us all of the fragility of life and the enduring power of love, family, and community. Their legacy will be remembered not only in their accomplishments and friendships, but in the way they touched lives with their spirit, kindness, and light.
